Eastern Shipbuilding Launches Harvey Deep‐Sea Vessel for Harvey Gulf, USA

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. announces the launch of the HARVEY DEEP‐SEA, the fourth of its Tiger Shark Class Offshore Support Vessels being constructed for Harvey Gulf International Marine, LLC of New Orleans, LA.

The HARVEY DEEP‐SEA was launched on Wednesday December 12th, 2012 after successfully completing all regulatory hull exams. The HARVEY DEEP‐SEA is Eastern’s second Construction Vessel (LCV) for Harvey Gulf. Eastern Shipbuilding Group has constructed 10 vessels for Harvey Gulf International Marine, LLC since 2002.

The HARVEY DEEP SEA is an ABS A1, AMS,  ACCU, Circle E, Enviro +, Green Passport (GP), NBLES, CRC, HELIDK Offshore Support Vessel and certified under SOLAS. ABS class includes the ABS DPS‐2 notation and FIFI 2. It is AC Diesel‐Electric powered with twin Schottel Z‐drives and it measures 302’ X 64’ X 24’‐6”. This Multi‐Purpose Construction Vessel (LCV), the HARVEY DEEP‐SEA, will be equipped with an active heave‐compensated, National Oilwell Varco 165‐ton knuckle boom crane capable of lifting/setting 100 tons at depths up to 10,000 ft. The HARVEY DEEP‐SEA is scheduled for final outfitting and delivery in the summer of 2013. This vessel will fill a niche in a very selective market.

At the 33rd annual 2012 International Workboat Show in New Orleans LA, Harvey Gulf International received the Outstanding Environmental Initiative Award. Harvey Gulf International has constructed a series of diesel electric OSV’s at Eastern Shipbuilding Group that meet ABS ENVIRO+, Green Passport (GP) notation requirements.

“These vessels exceed current environmental requirements and follow strict company policies, thus helping to further reduce air and water pollution. The vessels were also constructed with environmentally friendly materials that can be completely recycled or broken down without harm to the environment where possible” commented Bruce Buls, Workboat Magazine’s technical editor and one of the award judges.

Founded in 1955, Harvey Gulf International Marine is a marine transportation company that specializes in towing drilling rigs and providing offshore supply and multi‐purpose support vessels for deepwater operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

Tens of thousands of man‐hours of labor were required to complete this stage of construction. At Wednesday’s launch hundreds of Bay County residents, workers, and their families gathered around to watch the christening and launch at Eastern’s Allanton Facility.

Brian R. D’Isernia, the President/CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, said Eastern has built over 300 ships using local workers and that has had an important economic impact on the local area.

“The construction of this vessel involved hiring citizens from Panama City, Bay County and Northwest Florida. America can do it. We’re doing it, and in doing so, we’re providing jobs for ourselves, members of our communities, and their families,” said D’Isernia.

On December 10, 2012 Eastern Shipbuilding Group was awarded the Governor’s Top Job Producer Award presented to Brian R. D’Isernia by Florida’s Governor Rick Scott. This award is given annually to the top job producers that are dedicated to Florida’s economic development and job creation efforts.

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. has two shipbuilding facilities in Panama City, Florida and has been in business since 1976 building, converting and repairing steel and aluminum vessels of all types including tugs, barges, offshore support vessels, research vessels, firefighting vessels, crew vessels, barges, ferries, passenger vessels, fishing vessels and towboats.

Eastern Shipbuilding Group is currently under contract to build fifteen (15) large Diesel Electric Offshore Supply Vessels of its “Tiger Shark” series for customers in the United States and in Brazil. These new contracts will maintain Eastern’s role as one of the largest manufacturers of OSV’s in the United States. In anticipation of upcoming manpower requirements the company has expanded its training programs. Eastern currently has over 1300 employees, and expects to have more than 300 new employees in all shipbuilding trades to fulfill future additional contracts.

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Press Release, December 19, 2012